Teh Ever-Evolving Superhero: James gunn on Flanderization and Fan Expectations
The debate surrounding superhero adaptations often centers on faithfulness to the source material. From casting choices to overall tone, fans meticulously compare films and shows to the comics they’re based on. But how much “faithfulness” is truly possible – or even desirable – when translating a beloved story to a different medium?
Adaptation inherently requires change.Some translations work brilliantly, while others miss the mark. Nonetheless, passionate discussion – and sometimes disagreement - is inevitable. recently, this conversation resurfaced thanks to a compelling video essay and a direct response from a key figure at DC studios.
Understanding the Core Issue: The “True” Version
YouTuber Jenna of “Go Read Some Comics With Jenna” explored these themes in a video titled “We Need to Talk About Brainiac,” focusing on the upcoming depiction of the iconic Batman villain in the film “Man of Tomorrow.” The video resonated widely, catching the attention of DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn.
Gunn engaged with the discussion on Threads, highlighting a crucial point: fans often elevate a specific version of a character to the definitive one. This is despite the fact that many characters, like Batman, have undergone numerous iterations throughout their history.
Essentially, we tend to believe the version we first encountered is the “true” representation.
Flanderization: When a Trait Overshadows Everything Else
Gunn’s response also brought attention to a phenomenon called “fandom flanderization.” this refers to the progressive exaggeration of a single character trait until it becomes their defining characteristic, eclipsing all other facets of their personality.
As Gunn explained, this can ”diminish our enjoyment of stories outside of what we expect.” he endorsed Jenna’s video, stating:
“Great video. Yes, the Brainiac stuff is cool (don’t read too much into that part of me reposting), but what I love is @heyitsjennalynn talking about ‘Fandom Flanderization’ [and] how many fans believe some aspect of a character is the only ‘true’ version, usually dependent on when they first came upon the stories (think yellow oval on Batman’s chest, all-powerful Superman, Wonder Woman made from clay) [and] how that possibly diminishes our enjoyment of stories outside of what we expect.”
Consider these examples:
* Batman: The yellow oval on his chest is a relatively recent addition, yet many fans consider it essential.
* Superman: The idea of an all-powerful Superman isn’t consistent across all iterations of the character.
* Wonder Woman: The origin story of being “made from clay” is just one version of her creation.
Why Pleasing Everyone is Impossible
Ultimately, Gunn’s point is simple: no single adaptation can satisfy everyone.Different generations connect with different interpretations, and personal preferences inevitably shape our expectations.
This isn’t a criticism of fan passion, but rather an acknowledgement of the inherent subjectivity involved. It’s a reminder that adaptation is a balancing act – honoring the source material while also forging new ground.
What’s Next for the DC Universe?
The conversation sparked by Jenna’s video and Gunn’s response underscores the complexities of bringing beloved characters to life on screen. As the DC Universe continues to evolve,it’s a discussion worth keeping in mind.
The next installment in the DCU is “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” scheduled for release on june 26th, 2026.
Watch “We Need to Talk About Brainiac” here
!Go Read Some Comics With Jenna Video Thumbnail
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